Africa’s biggest football tournament is coming to East Africa, and Uganda is one of the proud hosts. If you are searching for the ultimate AFCON 2026 safari itinerary Uganda, you have come to the right place. This is the first-ever comprehensive guide to combining the thrill of the Africa Cup of Nations with the adventure of a Ugandan safari. Whether you are a football fanatic, a wildlife enthusiast, or both, this AFCON 2026 safari itinerary Uganda builder will help you create the perfect trip.
AFCON 2026 will be co-hosted by Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya, with matches taking place across multiple cities. Uganda will host matches in Kampala, Jinja, and potentially other venues. This creates a unique opportunity to experience world-class football and then escape into the wild for gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and cultural experiences. This guide provides customizable AFCON 2026 safari itinerary Uganda options, from 7-day express trips to 14-day comprehensive adventures.
Use the Table of Contents below to jump to the section you need.
1. Overview – AFCON 2026 in Uganda
AFCON 2026 (Africa Cup of Nations) is the premier continental football tournament, featuring 24 of Africa’s best national teams. For the first time, the tournament will be co-hosted by three East African nations: Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. Uganda is expected to host matches at Namboole Stadium in Kampala, the newly renovated Mubende Stadium, and potentially venues in Jinja and other cities. This historic event will attract thousands of international visitors, making it the perfect time to combine football with a safari.
Building the perfect AFCON 2026 safari itinerary Uganda requires balancing match schedules with wildlife experiences. Uganda’s proximity to its national parks makes this ideal. From Kampala, you can reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (for gorilla trekking), Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park in a few hours. This guide offers three customizable AFCON 2026 safari itinerary Uganda options to suit different timeframes and interests.
For more hidden gems beyond the football and safari, explore our Ultimate Uganda Off-the-Beaten-Path Guide 2026 for unique experiences.
2. 7-Day AFCON 2026 Safari Itinerary Uganda
This fast-paced AFCON 2026 safari itinerary Uganda is perfect for football fans with limited time who want to experience both the tournament and Uganda’s wildlife highlights.
| Day | Activity | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive Entebbe, transfer to Kampala. Evening AFCON match at Namboole Stadium. | Kampala Hotel |
| Day 2 | Game drive in Lake Mburo National Park (3-hour drive). Boat safari on Lake Mburo. | Mihingo Lodge or similar |
| Day 3 | Morning game drive in Lake Mburo. Transfer to Kampala for evening AFCON match. | Kampala Hotel |
| Day 4 | Fly to Kisoro. Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Afternoon community walk. | Bwindi Lodge or similar |
| Day 5 | Gorilla trekking in Bwindi (experience of a lifetime!). Evening relaxation at lodge. | Bwindi Lodge or similar |
| Day 6 | Fly back to Entebbe. Optional Jinja adventure (Source of the Nile). | Entebbe Hotel |
| Day 7 | Departure from Entebbe International Airport. | — |
For gorilla trekking logistics, see our detailed guide on the cost of a gorilla permit in Uganda.
3. 10-Day AFCON 2026 Safari Itinerary Uganda
This mid-length AFCON 2026 safari itinerary Uganda offers a deeper exploration, combining multiple parks and more football matches.
| Day | Activity | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive Entebbe, transfer to Kampala. Evening AFCON match. | Kampala Hotel |
| Day 2 | Drive to Murchison Falls National Park (5 hours). Afternoon boat safari to the falls. | Paraa Safari Lodge |
| Day 3 | Morning game drive in Murchison. Afternoon drive to Kampala. | Kampala Hotel |
| Day 4 | AFCON match day. Explore Kampala or relax. | Kampala Hotel |
| Day 5 | Drive to Kibale National Park (5 hours). Afternoon chimpanzee trekking. | Primate Lodge |
| Day 6 | Morning birding or nature walk in Kibale. Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. | Mweya Safari Lodge |
| Day 7 | Game drive in Queen Elizabeth and Kazinga Channel boat safari. | Mweya Safari Lodge |
| Day 8 | Drive to Bwindi via Ishasha (tree-climbing lions). | Bwindi Lodge |
| Day 9 | Gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Afternoon Batwa cultural experience. | Bwindi Lodge |
| Day 10 | Drive to Entebbe via Kabale. Departure or extension. | — |
4. 14-Day AFCON 2026 Safari Itinerary Uganda
This comprehensive AFCON 2026 safari itinerary Uganda is the ultimate experience, combining multiple matches, all major national parks, and cultural immersion.
| Day | Activity | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1-2 | Arrive Entebbe, transfer to Kampala. Enjoy two AFCON matches at Namboole Stadium. | Kampala Hotel |
| Day 3 | Drive to Jinja. Explore Source of the Nile and cultural sites. | Jinja Hotel |
| Day 4 | White-water rafting on the Nile (optional) or visit Sipi Falls. | Jinja Hotel |
| Day 5 | Drive to Murchison Falls National Park. Afternoon boat safari. | Paraa Safari Lodge |
| Day 6 | Game drive in Murchison. Drive to Kibale National Park. | Primate Lodge |
| Day 7 | Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale. Afternoon Bigodi Wetland walk. | Primate Lodge |
| Day 8 | Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Fort Portal. | Mweya Safari Lodge |
| Day 9 | Game drive and Kazinga Channel boat safari. | Mweya Safari Lodge |
| Day 10 | Drive to Bwindi via Ishasha (tree-climbing lions). | Bwindi Lodge |
| Day 11 | Gorilla trekking in Bwindi. | Bwindi Lodge |
| Day 12 | Batwa cultural experience. Relax at the lodge. | Bwindi Lodge |
| Day 13 | Drive to Entebbe via Kabale and Mbarara. | Entebbe Hotel |
| Day 14 | Depart from Entebbe International Airport. | — |
For insights on combining multiple parks, check our 3-Day Queen Elizabeth Safari as a potential add-on.
5. Which AFCON 2026 Matches to Attend
When building your AFCON 2026 safari itinerary Uganda, consider the match schedule. Uganda will host matches at Namboole Stadium (Kampala), Mubende Stadium, and potentially in Jinja. Key matches to target:
- Opening Match: Host nation Uganda vs. a top African team (typically the tournament opener).
- Group Stage Matches: Depending on the draw, teams like Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, and Nigeria could play in Kampala.
- Round of 16 and Quarterfinals: Knockout matches often held in Kampala.
Plan your AFCON 2026 safari itinerary Uganda around the official CAF schedule, which will be released about 12 months before the tournament. We recommend booking your safari around the knockout stages for maximum excitement.
6. How to Get AFCON Tickets & Safari Permits
Securing tickets and permits is essential for your AFCON 2026 safari itinerary Uganda:
- AFCON Tickets: Tickets are sold through the official CAF (Confederation of African Football) website. Be wary of third-party resellers. VIP and hospitality packages are available.
- Gorilla Permits: Standard UWA gorilla permits cost $800 for foreign non-residents. Book through Uganda Wildlife Authority well in advance.
- Park Entry Fees: Each national park entry costs $40 for foreign non-residents. Payable in cash or via UWA.
- Chimpanzee Permits: Kibale chimpanzee trekking costs $200 per person.
7. Logistics – Transport, Visas & Health
To execute your AFCON 2026 safari itinerary Uganda, consider these logistics:
- Transport: A 4×4 vehicle is recommended for safaris. For flights to Bwindi or Kibale, consider charters. See our Kisoro transport guide for insights.
- Visas: Apply online via the official Uganda e-Visa portal. Express processing is available for $100 (72-hour rush).
- Health: Yellow fever vaccination is required. See our guide on the Yellow Fever Vaccine Exemption Certificate for entry. Check the Uganda Ministry of Health for travel advisories.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When is AFCON 2026 being held?
A: AFCON 2026 is scheduled for June – July 2026. Exact dates will be confirmed by CAF.
Q: Which cities in Uganda will host AFCON 2026 matches?
A: Uganda will host matches in Kampala (Namboole Stadium), Mubende, and potentially Jinja.
Q: Can I combine AFCON matches with gorilla trekking?
A: Absolutely. Building an AFCON 2026 safari itinerary Uganda around match days is the whole point of this guide.
Q: How far are the national parks from Kampala?
A: Lake Mburo is 3 hours, Queen Elizabeth is 6 hours, Bwindi is 8 hours, and Murchison is 5 hours.
Q: Is it safe to travel to Uganda for AFCON?
A: Yes. Uganda is a safe destination. Football tourists are well-received. Security will be heightened during the tournament.
Q: How do I book this AFCON and safari itinerary?
A: Afraeka Adventures specializes in customized AFCON 2026 safari itinerary Uganda packages. Contact us below to start planning.
Ready to Build Your Ultimate AFCON 2026 Safari Itinerary?
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to combine the excitement of the Africa Cup of Nations with the adventure of a Ugandan safari. Let Afraeka Adventures create a seamless AFCON 2026 safari itinerary Uganda that perfectly balances football matches, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences.
Contact Afraeka Adventures today to build your customized AFCON + Safari itinerary.
Call us: +256 794144988
Email us: info@afraekaadventures.com
Visit our website: www.afraekaadventures.com
Updated: August 19, 2026. All information is subject to change. Confirm AFCON match schedules and ticket availability via CAF and UWA permit fees before finalizing your itinerary.
